South & Central America

What validity do I need on my passport?
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.

What visas do I require?
It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have the necessary visas and to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited. More advice can also be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website

Please note: If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels. Holidays can be disrupted or have to be altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check very carefully that you have the required papers.

Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru. New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Chile or Brazil.
Australian passport holders require a visa for Brazil. The cost is approximately AUD$77. Please contact the Brazilian Consulate for information on how to obtain a visa.

Australian passport holders must pay the Chilean Reciprocity Fee of USD$95 on entry into Chile. This fee is only charged if staying in Santiago, and is payable after clearing customs with your luggage. It is not applicable to passengers transiting to another country.

Australian passport holders must also pay the Argentinean Reciprocity Fee of USD$100 on arrival at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. Payments are to be made prior to clearing immigration controls and can be made by cash (Argentine pesos or US dollars), credit card or travellers cheques. Australian citizens whose passport shows they were born in Argentina are exempt from the fee and should pass through Argentine passport control line on entry in order to be exempt from the payment.  Australian citizens holding a business visa are also exempt from payment.

Please note: As visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, we recommend that you contact the relevant consulates for the latest information on visa requirements.

Are there any taxes?
Yes there is an Argentinean Exit Tax from Iguazu and Ezeiza International Airports, which is included in the cost of your ticket. Once you are at the airport, you must go to the counter of LAN to stamp your boarding pass in order to validate its payment.

Can Scenic Tours arrange my passport and visas?
No, Scenic Tours and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited, and will not be liable for any costs or cancellation penalties or inconvenience where travellers do not have a travel authorisation, and are not permitted to travel.

What is the Galapagos New Transit Migratory Card?
Tourists visiting the Galapagos Islands will require a Transit Control Card. The Galapagos National Institute, INGALA, which regulates the activities in the Galapagos National Park, has approved to issue a Transit Migratory Card to control the migration that arrives from the continent as well as the entrance of tourists to the Galapagos Islands. This cost has been included in your final tour price and you may be issued with a card on arrival.  The funds obtained from this card will have 50% distributed to INGALA and the other 50% to the three main villages in the Galapagos: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island; Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island.

Can Scenic Tours organise my travel insurance?
No, this is the responsibility of the passenger, however your travel agent can do this on your behalf. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.

How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance whilst on tour is one suitcase with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms. You may also carry a small backpack or the Scenic Tours issued overnight bag on board the coach for the duration of the tour. We recommend when travelling to South America that you use hard suitcases that can be securely locked and that your hand luggage is a bag with a shoulder strap that is easy to carry or a robust backpack (flimsy backpacks are vulnerable to a thief with a razor). Additional bags beyond the luggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly to the hotel or as required. It is advised that you check airline luggage requirements directly with your most significant airline carrier.

Please Note: As your tour visits Machu Picchu, you are required to pack down to hand luggage for one night’s accommodation with a maximum weight for overnight luggage of 5 kilograms. Remaining luggage will be stored in the Sacred Valley. Excess luggage will incur a charge and may not travel on the same train.

Is porterage included?
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your tour.  Additional bags beyond the allowance may be charged or it may be the responsibility of the passenger to forward to another destination.  Luggage handling is not included during any independent or non-escorted touring. In this situation, luggage handling and porterage will need to be organised directly with the hotel porters.

Should I attach the Scenic Tours luggage label provided prior to departure?
No, please wait until you have claimed your luggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not tear off this tag, as it is required to easily identify your luggage for transfer services and hotels.

Are there any luggage restrictions on tour?
The Australian and New Zealand governments have enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people who are flying to and from Australia. Details of restrictions and requirements can be found on the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website.

What happens if my luggage goes missing?
It is highly unlikely for your luggage to be mislaid, however we suggest if travelling as a couple to pack each suitcase with back up clothes and toiletries for each person. We also suggest writing your personal and tour details on a label INSIDE each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

What clothing should I pack?
• Casual sportswear for daytime that can be mixed/matched/layered
• Jumper/fleece/warm jacket for cooler mornings, nights and cruising
• Swimwear
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip, long socks and rubber boots (for the Amazon tours)
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Raincoat, rain poncho or light, water-resistant jacket

What should I wear in the Amazon?
Generally, the Amazon is quite hot, but during the evenings if it rains, it can cool down quite a bit. Fast drying clothes that can be layered work best. Bring casual shirts, t-shirts, shorts and long pants for the day, plus swimwear, enough underwear and socks so that frequent laundry isn’t necessary, and a raincoat or rain poncho. A light, water-resistant jacket that will keep you warm on a cool evening or during a sudden downpour, yet can be stuffed away or worn loosely on a warm day is essential. A fleece or wool sweater, comfortable walking shoes and rubber boots, long socks to wear when walking and sandals or shoes you don't mind getting wet.

What should I wear on the Galapagos Islands?
For the daytime in the Galapagos, you will most likely want to be in shorts and a loose comfortable t-shirt or tank top. A wide-brimmed or long-billed hat and a pair of sunglasses are essentials for protecting face, eyes, ears and neck from the bright and scorching equatorial sun. For the evenings on some boats, particularly cruise ships, dinner can be a bit more formal, and so a dress shirt or a simple sundress might be a good idea. Most boats do not have any sort of dress code, and your daytime clothes will be fine. Consider bringing only one or two pairs of light pants to the Galapagos. They will be too warm usually, but you might want them for the plane and perhaps at night to enjoy the ocean nights. Also, bring a light jumper for magnificent nightly stargazing.

Please note: you must pass through Quito, which is also on the equator, but high in the mountains with a cool climate. Arriving at the airport dressed for cold weather is wise, so pack a jacket, preferably a waterproof one that can double as a raincoat in the Galapagos Islands.

What type of footwear is best for the Galapagos Islands?
Teva-style sandals are the most useful footwear you can bring to the Islands. They can be worn during dry or wet landings, protect your feet from the hot, harsh volcanic landscape and keep them cool. You might want the protection and support of tennis shoes or sneakers, but we would recommend that you bring older broken-in shoes as they will suffer the damage of saltwater, volcanic rock, and sand.

What sort of sunscreen is best when travelling near the equator?
The sun hits the equator hard and can burn you before you know it so we recommend SPF 45 waterproof sunscreen.

Can I bring my own snorkelling equipment?
Yes. Often it is better to have your own equipment with which you are comfortable and certain of it fitting. For those that like to spend hours snorkelling and diving deep, you might also consider bringing a short wet suit for the deeper 18-23°C waters.

What else do I need to pack?
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:
• Airline tickets and passport (plus a photocopy and extra passport photos)
• Travel and travel insurance documentation, and itinerary (make a copy for your emergency contact)
• Travellers cheques/cash/debit or credit card and emergency contact numbers if lost or stolen, plus local currency for first day and a money belt
• Spare memory card for your digital camera or film in clear plastic containers
• Only those keys needed on return
• Personal medication and prescriptions, extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions (medication for motion sickness, diarrhoea, vomiting and antibiotics is a good idea)
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent with DEET, anti-itch cream for insect bites, aloe vera gel for sunburn, first aid kit
• Pocket calculator, address book, journal and pens
• Tissues and anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser 
• Raincoat or umbrella
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry, washing powder and elastic clothesline
• Travel alarm clock, earplugs and sleep mask
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger
• Small torch and batteries

Should I provide Scenic Tours with my health and fitness details prior to travelling?
We will supply a Health and Fitness form in your travel wallet. These forms are designed to provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned unopened at the completion of the tour. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms but is strongly recommended.

Can I take prescription medication into South America?
Yes and its advisable to pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor’s orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with viral gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact.

Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.  It is recommended that passengers carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water. Use a sanitiser frequently i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at most pharmacies in Australia, however a side effect can be drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.
If you have any questions regarding your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

Altitude sickness can also be a common concern for travellers in some parts of South America. Medication is available, speak with your medical practitioner before departure.

What vaccinations do I require?
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary and are subject to change. You must consult your doctor on current vaccinations needed for your destination. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Malaria tablets may also be recommended by your GP. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry to and exit from many parts of South America including Peru.

What health precautions should I take?
Be careful about the water you drink and only drink bottled water that has not had the seal broken. In the tropics or at high altitude you can get sunburned surprisingly quickly, even through cloud. Use a sunscreen, hat and barrier cream for your nose and lips. Calamine location and aloe vera gel are good for mild sunburn. Eyes should be protected with good quality sunglasses.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water and drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles (avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes) and eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself and don't eat food purchased from street vendors. Don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurised.

If you will be visiting an area where there is risk for malaria, take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed (see your doctor for a prescription). Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied liberally at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn. To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot; and don't handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).

What sort of fitness level do I require to travel in South America?
South American tours require clients to have a good level of health and fitness. Please ensure you have selected a suitable holiday for your level of fitness as walking and getting on/off transport is required in many areas and good mobility is needed, especially due to some of the sightseeing and attractions, locations and format. Clients should be aware that the tour could be demanding in places. Clients not wishing to do these portions of the tour are able (in some instances) to stay with the coach. We strongly recommend that clients attain a letter from their doctor clearing them for the tour and for travel insurance purposes. Scenic Tours reserves the right, at its discretion to cancel your booking and refund the money paid by you, less any unrecoverable costs, if it is deemed you are not suitable for the trip booked. It is your responsibility to advise Scenic Tours of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip participants.

What sort of first aid and medical items should I bring with me?
It may be useful to bring a supply of basic items with you. A first aid kit may include band-aids, antiseptic, aspirin, cough medicine, throat lozenges, cold and flu medication, diarrhoea medication, mild laxative, eye ointments/drops for minor infections, a general antibiotic and any special medications you may need personally. Please remember to bring a letter from your doctor or a copy of the prescription for any medication that you are carrying with you.

Will my special requirements be met throughout the tour?
Your special requirements have been passed onto all suppliers. Special requirements refer to airline seating, special dietary and medical needs. These requirements are on a request basis only and cannot be guaranteed by Scenic Tours. We strongly advise that you reconfirm your meal requests with the Scenic Tour Director upon joining your tour.

Can I bring any gifts for children and local communities?
You will be visiting a local community and school in the Sacred Valley where you will have the chance to interact with the primary school students and their teachers. Scenic Tours sponsors different community and school projects for each group that visits and your Tour Director will advise you what your visit has contributed towards. This is a low socio-economic area in Peru where families struggle to provide the essentials. There are approximately 120 children at the school attending classes from Kindergarten to Junior High school. It is the simple things they do not have. For the girls: hair products, combs, brushes, hair bands, hair clips, beauty accessories, lip-gloss, dolls and stuffed toys.  For the boys: soccer or footballs, toy cars, toy trains, kites, blow-up balls, etc.  In general toys are a luxury item that are greatly received by both the boys and the girls.  Pencils, crayons, pens, coloured paper and reading books are also well received or anything you believe the children would enjoy will be greatly appreciated. This is at each client’s own discretion and is not compulsory.

What books can I read in preparation for this tour?
There are many wonderful books to choose from and we highly recommend:
• A History of Latin America - George Pendle
• Peru Before the Incas - Edward P. Lanning
• History of the Inca Empire - Father Bernabe Cobo
• One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

How do I receive my tickets for internal flights?
You will receive your air tickets for all your internal flights once on tour.

What time can I check in to my hotels?
If your flight arrives before noon (usually 15.00 is check-in time) at the city where your tour starts, the hotel may not have your room available until mid-afternoon. We do our best to prevent this from happening; however in some circumstances it is unavoidable. Some people use this time to explore the neighbourhood, shop or relax in the hotel public areas. On arrival at your hotel, please check to see if your Tour Director has already posted tour information in the lobby.

What types of rooms can I expect?
• Single Accommodation - single rooms are designed for one bed and as such in some locations are smaller than twin rooms.
• Double Rooms - we cannot guarantee that clients will receive a Double Bed at all properties due to limited availability with this configuration, and in some cases, clients may be accommodated in twin share rooms.

Are laundry facilities available?
Most hotels have laundry and dryer facilities. If the hotel does not provide these services, most housekeeping departments will offer a laundry and/or dry cleaning service.

Do I need to bring electrical adaptor plugs?
Most countries use either 110 volt or 220 volt, at 50Hz or 60Hz, plugs with either two flat pins or two round pins. You’ll need a multi-adapter with your appliance. Appropriate adaptor plugs should be purchased before leaving home to use for items such as razors, and mobile phone chargers (check with your mobile supplier as you may require a transformer for your charger). Adaptor plugs can be purchased from any luggage store.

Will I have the same seat on coaches?
To ensure all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system is employed on all our coaches. It works on a scatter system where you are rotated around the coach by numbers, which also allows you to get to know other members of the group.

What monetary currency is in use in South America?

Argentina
The monetary currency for Argentina is the peso, which is subdivided into 100 centavos.
• Notes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 pesos
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos

Brazil
The monetary currency for Brazil is the ‘real’ (pronounced ‘hay-ow’); its plural is ‘reais’ (pronounced ‘hay-ice’) and is made up of 100 centavos.
• Notes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 real
• Coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos and 1 real

Peru
The monetary currency for Peru is the nuevo sol, which is divided into 100 centimos.
• Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100 nuevo sol
• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimos and 1, 2, 5 nuevo sol

Cuba
The monetary currency for Cuba is the Cuban peso, which is divided into 100 centavos.
• Notes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos and 100 centavos (cents)

Chile
The monetary currency for Chile is the peso.
• Notes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 pesos
• Coins: 5, 10, 50, 100 pesos

How much foreign money should I bring with me?
You cannot pre-purchase any currencies for South America outside of South America. We recommend you take all US dollars in small denominations and carry a small bundle of $1 for tips. We suggest you take a mixture of travellers cheques or pre-paid money cards, cash, credit card and ATM cards. When touring carry on your person, only what you need for the day. Keep the rest in your hotel safe with your passport and air ticket.

Are all credit cards accepted on all legs of the tour?
All major credit cards can be used in South America, with Visa and MasterCard most widely accepted. American Express, Diners Club and others are also accepted in many places. In some small towns, you may find you’ll need to use cash. Before travelling, check that your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the tour. Please note some banks and institutions require you to advise them that you will be using your credit card overseas.

Are ATMs readily available?
Yes, ATMs are available in most cities and large towns. The machines operate just as they do here; at the beginning of the transaction it prompts the user for the preferred language. Simply withdraw money as you would at home. Of course the money will be dispensed as the local currency, but when you return home, your bank will have converted it into dollars. Be sure to check with your bank before departing to activate your card and don’t forget to bring your pin number.

Can I take travellers cheques or pre-paid travel money cards?
Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry money. If lost or stolen these can be replaced quickly. AMEX travellers cheques are the most recognised and accepted in South America.

What is the tipping protocol?
Tipping in South America is a customary practice to show appreciation for the service received.

Does Scenic Tours cover tips?
Whilst on escorted tours, Scenic Tours has included the following tipping on your behalf:
• Porters at hotels, airports and train stations in South America (for 1 piece of luggage)
• All guides and drivers
Tipping is NOT included on tour for meals, drinks, taxis, transfers or items of a personal nature not included as part of the tour.

Is bargaining acceptable practice?
Bargaining is accepted and expected when shopping for craft goods, the prices of which are normally very negotiable. Haggling is almost a sport in the Andean countries, with patience and humour making the process more enjoyable and productive. Bargaining is much less common in the southern part of South America.

What can I buy in South America?
Peru
Peruvian handicrafts include a tremendous variety of woollens, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and art. Shop for alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, gold, Inca walking sticks, miniature handmade statues, woven-straw items, ponchos, llama rugs, cotton and linen fabrics, blankets, silver, tapestries, wood and leather products, Andean oil paintings, silkscreen prints and pottery. Andean markets are a great place to bargain for souvenirs. Shops are typically open Monday to Saturday 09.00-18.00 with some stores open as late as 23.00.

Brazil
The best buys are shoes, leather goods, clothes by Brazilian designers, coffee, traditional handicrafts (such as sculptures, ceramics and woven hammocks), lace and embroidery. Artifacts from Brazil's many indigenous tribes include jewellery, baskets, pottery, headdresses, rosewood products, and semi-precious and precious stones. Brazilian music is also a great buy with samba and chorinho widely available. Shops are typically open Monday-Friday 10.00-18:30 and Saturday 10.00-18.00 and most department stores remain open until 22.00. Some boutiques, particularly in tourist areas, are open on Sundays.

Argentina
Buenos Aires offers excellent, high-quality shopping for leather goods, gems and brand-name products such as Gucci and Dior, etc. Other items to look for include rugs, gaucho souvenirs, sheepskin products, wines, guitars, art, handicrafts, yerba-mate paraphernalia such as gourds and bombillas (metal straws with a filter at the bottom), and vicuna products (high-quality wool from a llama-like creature). Shops are typically open Monday-Friday 09.00-19.30 and Saturday 09.00-13.00.

Chile
Shop for blankets, lapis lazuli, choapinos (wool rugs), earthenware pottery, models of Easter Island statues, shell necklaces, cashmere sweaters, shoes, linen, bronzes, purses, sterling-silver jewellery, embroidered handkerchiefs, Chilean wines, Talagante ceramics and copper products. Shops are typically open Monday-Friday 10.00-20.00 and Saturday 10.00-14.00. Shopping centres are also open Sundays from 10.00-21.00.

What are the customs allowances on return to Australia?
Apart from personal effects, returning travellers over 18 years of age are allowed to bring into Australia the following goods duty free:
• Alcohol – 2.25 litres
• Cigarettes and Tobacco – 250 grams or 50 cigars
Other articles up to a total combined value of AUD$900 are free of duty and tax, but goods in excess of this may attract both.

What is the climate like in South America?
The South America continent is situated along the same latitude as Australia and has the same seasons and extremes in temperature from north to south. South America is a year round destination as different parts of the continent will be at their best according to the seasons.

Peru
Peak season runs from June to August and the highlands are very busy with trekkers at this time. It is good to visit all year round with many of the major festivals occurring during the wet months of January to April. The average temperature during the dry season of May to December in Lima is 20°C and the wet season is 25°C. Cuzco has an average annual temperature that fluctuates between 11°C and 13°C. During sunny days the temperature may reach 20°C.

Brazil
In most of Brazil, short tropical rains are frequent all year round but rarely interfere with travel plans. The average temperature in Rio de Janeiro in the summer months is 28°C, and in the winter months is 22°C.

Argentina
Argentina’s elongated geography ensures that the country has a diverse climate. The central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer and cool in winter. Average temperature in Buenos Aires in summer is 22°C and winter is 10°C.

Galapagos Islands
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is largely determined by ocean currents. Normally from June to December, the cold current comes from the South and creates an inversion that traps a cool moist fog called a ‘garúa’ near the ocean which creates a cool, dry climate, with average temperatures of 22°C. In December the trade winds normally die down and the ocean currents change, bathing the Galapagos in the warm current from the North. The warm currents bust up the inversion and a typical tropical weather pattern of hot sunny mornings followed by clouds and occasional showers in the afternoons generally prevails, with average temperatures of 27°C.

The Amazon
The Amazon is characterised by rain, heat, and more rain and heat, providing the perfect environment for plants and wildlife. The Amazon is always humid with generous amounts of rain occurring year round. The average temperature varies from 23°-26°C. The drier season is generally November to February but varies by region. The Amazon cruise itinerary is based on high water levels. The itinerary may vary subject to the water levels at the time of travel.

Cuba
The climate is tropical, with north-easterly trade winds that blow year round. In general, there is a drier season from November to April, and a rainier season from May to October. The average temperature is 21°C in January and 27°C in July.

Chile
Much of the country has a mountain climate with snow in the higher reaches. The north is desert, warm during the day but very cool at night. The central part has a Mediterranean climate with a rainy season between May and August. The south is cold, bitterly so in winter, and often wet. Average temperature in Santiago in summer is 26°C and in winter 14°C.

Antarctica
Travel is only available from November to March as ice blocks main access routes during the remainder of the year. Temperatures along the most commonly visited region, the Antarctic Peninsula, range from minus 5° to 5°C during the summer months. Antarctica experiences the strongest winds on the planet, and is the world's driest desert with minimum annual rainfall, especially in the interior.

What temperatures can I expect?

How do I make telephone calls back to Australia?
The international telephone services in South America have traditionally been government operated and have delivered poor systems and service. Many countries have now privatised their phone systems, choosing high charges over poor service, but sometimes getting both.  It is also important to remember that telephone calls from hotels are surcharged and it is sometimes cheaper to make a reverse charges call. It is always cheaper for you to use public telephones. If you decide to make a direct call to Australia, remember to dial the international access code 00 followed by the country code 61 (Australia), the area code (without the 0) and your phone number. Local phone cards are available at tobacco stores, kiosks and post offices.

What are the time zone differences?
The South American mainland is between three and five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Chile, Argentina and Brazil adopt ‘summer time’ from about October to March when they are one hour closer to GMT. Please use the following as a guideline only, as daylight saving changes will alter respective time variances:

• Argentina and Brazil = 13 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time
• Chile = 14 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time
• Peru = 15 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time
• Ecuador = 16 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time

What languages are spoken?
Spanish is spoken in most of South America, with the exception of Brazil where Portuguese is the national language. Generally, in the capital cities and popular tourist areas, some English is spoken.

Is the water safe to drink?
Because of heat and high altitudes it is essential each day to drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol, coffee or strong tea, which are diuretics and cause increased water loss). Don’t drink tap water or brush your teeth with it, stick to bottled or canned drinks (well known brands are safe). Have bottled mineral waters opened in your presence and regard all ice as unsafe.

Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes. If you have not already advised your travel agent at the time of booking please let your Tour Director know at the start of the tour of any special needs or dietary requirements so they can be best accommodated. Remember your favourite food items will not always be available as they eat very different food to us, especially at breakfast.

How do I judge how safe it is to travel in these countries?
You must make your own inquiries regarding safety warnings and government warnings in relation to the destinations you are travelling to. These change quite regularly and can be found through the Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advisory website. Scenic Tours can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism, etc in certain locations.

Are pickpockets prevalent?
Crowded tourist sites all over the world are at pickpocket risk so you should always be on alert. Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home. Theft can be a big problem in some countries, especially Peru and parts of Brazil but most areas of South America are quite safe and with sensible precautions you are unlikely to have any problems. Snatch theft can be avoided by removing all jewellery (costume and expensive as thieves often can't tell the difference) and watches and avoid carrying a camera loosely on your shoulder.

What else should I be aware of?
While travelling don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves. 

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Where should I be worried about altitude sickness?
Some South American cities such as Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are situated at altitudes of 3,200 metres above sea level or higher. At these levels, altitude sickness (caused by lack of oxygen at high altitudes) affects most people to some extent.

How do I know if I am suffering from altitude sickness?
How altitude sickness affects you can range from mild to severe and occurs because less oxygen is reaching the muscles and the brain, requiring the heart and lungs to compensate by working harder. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) usually develop during the first 24 hours at altitude but may be delayed up to 3 weeks.  Mild symptoms include headache, lethargy, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. AMS may become severe without warning. Please consult your doctor before departure to ensure you have an adequate level of fitness and health.

What can I do to try to prevent AMS?

• Drink extra fluids. The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe.
• Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration
• Eat light, high carbohydrate meals for more energy
• Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration
• Avoid sedatives
• Altitude Sickness tablets are available to help prevent/ reduce symptoms, consult your physician for advice on whether these are suitable for you.